In the ever-evolving world of artistic expression, the humble pastel medium has undergone a remarkable renaissance. Once considered a quaint, old-fashioned approach, pastels are now being reinvented by innovative artists who are pushing the boundaries of what this versatile medium can achieve. From luminous landscapes to bold, expressive portraits, the pastel is reclaiming its rightful place among the pantheon of contemporary painting and drawing techniques.
Pastel Painting Innovations
At the forefront of this pastel revolution are the PanPastel Soft Pastel Colours—a game-changing format that is captivating artists around the world. Unlike traditional dry pastel sticks, PanPastels come in a unique pan-like form, compressing the pure pigment into a velvety, highly-pigmented cake. This innovative approach allows for a whole new world of creative possibilities.
The smooth, creamy texture of PanPastels makes them a dream to work with, enabling artists to apply bold, sweeping strokes with ease. The ability to load a specialized Sofft Sponge or Sofft Knife with color and then directly transfer it to the surface opens up avenues for expressive, painterly mark-making. This gives pastel painters the freedom to work with the fluidity and spontaneity more commonly associated with fluid media like acrylics or oils.
But the benefits of PanPastels go beyond just surface application. The high pigment load and seamless blending capabilities allow for exquisite layering and subtlety of tone. Artists can build up rich, velvety textures by repeatedly applying and blending the colors, creating depth and luminosity that rival even the most masterful oil paintings.
“PanPastels offer a revolutionary way for soft pastel artists and mixed media painters to elevate their creative practice,” states the Art Supplies blog. “With their unique pan format, highly pigmented colours and velvety texture, PanPastels open up a world of possibilities for experimenting with painterly strokes and techniques akin to acrylics and oils.”
Vibrant Pastel Artwork
The versatility of PanPastels is unleashing a new wave of vibrant, expressive pastel artwork. Artists are using the medium to capture the essence of their subjects with bold, gestural strokes and layers of rich, luminous color.
One such artist is Barbara Rachko, whose large-scale pastel works on sandpaper blend the boundaries between realism and abstraction. Inspired by the cultural icons and folk art of South America, Rachko’s paintings are described as “inspired by Matisse and Degas” for their unique fusion of reality and fantasy. Creative Boom highlights Rachko’s “bold and vibrant paintings” that “combine reality and fantasy” in a captivating way.
Another pastel innovator is Sharon Stone, the acclaimed actress who has recently reinvented herself as a painter. Discovering her passion for art during the pandemic, Stone now paints for up to 17 hours a day, creating bold, expressive works that have garnered critical acclaim. Her debut exhibition was a resounding success, showcasing her ability to capture light, color, and emotion through the pastel medium.
These artists, among many others, are redefining the possibilities of pastel painting. By embracing innovative techniques and unconventional surfaces, they are producing artwork that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
Pastel Drawing Techniques
While pastel painting continues to evolve, the medium’s drawing capabilities are also experiencing a renaissance. Soft pastel sticks and pastel pencils offer artists a wide range of mark-making options, from delicate, precise renderings to bold, expressive strokes.
Mastering the fundamentals of pastel drawing is essential for any aspiring artist. Techniques like hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling can be used to create rich, textural effects, while the seamless blending of pastel pigments allows for the smooth transition of tones. Incorporating hard pastel marks for added contrast and definition can also elevate the sophistication of a pastel drawing.
For those seeking to push the boundaries of the medium, pastel pencils offer a unique opportunity to combine the precision of drawing with the vibrancy of pastel. These specialized pencils enable artists to create highly detailed, photo-realistic renderings, as well as whimsical, expressive sketches.
Regardless of the specific techniques employed, pastel drawing is a powerful means of capturing the essence of a subject. Whether it’s a detailed portrait, a lively still life, or a dynamic landscape, the pastel medium allows artists to infuse their work with a tangible sense of energy and emotion.
Developing a Creative Practice
At the heart of the pastel renaissance is a renewed emphasis on the creative process itself. Aspiring artists are discovering the joy of experimentation, embracing the medium’s inherent unpredictability, and cultivating a deeper connection to their artistic sensibilities.
Finding inspiration is key to unlocking one’s creative potential. Immersing oneself in the work of master pastelists, exploring the vibrant hues of the natural world, or simply allowing the mind to wander can all serve as catalysts for new ideas. Maintaining a growth mindset and a willingness to take risks are equally essential, as the most innovative breakthroughs often arise from unexpected places.
Equally important is the cultivation of mindfulness throughout the artistic journey. By staying present and attentive to the tactile experience of working with pastels, artists can achieve a heightened level of focus and flow, allowing their intuition to guide the creative process.
“Embracing the transformative power of art” is the mantra shared by the .ART community, which supports a global network of artists, brands, and art institutions in their pursuit of creative excellence. By securing a .ART domain, pastel artists can establish a strong digital identity that resonates with their artistic vision and connect with like-minded individuals who share their passion for the medium.
Artistic Design Considerations
As pastel artists push the boundaries of their craft, a keen understanding of artistic design principles becomes increasingly important. Elements such as composition, balance, and the emotive use of color can elevate a pastel work from merely competent to truly captivating.
Mastering the fundamentals of compositional design allows artists to guide the viewer’s eye through the painting, creating a sense of visual harmony and emotional impact. Thoughtful placement of focal points, the interplay of positive and negative space, and the strategic use of texture and surface qualities can all contribute to the overall strength of a pastel work.
The pastel medium’s inherent luminosity and vibrant color palette present both challenges and opportunities for the artist. Developing a nuanced understanding of color theory and the emotive power of hue can enable pastel painters to imbue their work with a deeper level of expressiveness and resonance.
Whether working in a representational or abstract style, the most successful pastel artists are those who have seamlessly integrated technical mastery with a strong artistic vision. By embracing the unique qualities of the medium and continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible, these innovators are redefining the pastel’s place in the contemporary art landscape.
Conclusion
The resurgence of the pastel medium is a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression. As new generations of artists embrace the medium’s versatility and explore its untapped potential, the pastel is poised to become a driving force in the world of contemporary art.
From the vibrant, expressive paintings of Barbara Rachko and Sharon Stone to the highly detailed, photo-realistic renderings of pastel pencil artists, the pastel medium is being reinvented and reinterpreted in ways that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
By cultivating a creative practice rooted in experimentation, mindfulness, and a deep understanding of artistic design principles, pastel artists are unlocking new realms of creative possibility. And by connecting with the vibrant .ART community, they are positioning themselves to share their vision with the world and inspire the next generation of pastel innovators.
The pastel may have once been relegated to the margins of the art world, but its time has come. Through the tireless efforts of these passionate and visionary artists, the pastel is reclaiming its rightful place as a dynamic, cutting-edge medium that is redefining the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of visual expression.
Tip: Experiment with different media to discover your unique style